Arguably the company's most well-known vintage model, the Ref. 96, introduced in the 1930's, was Patek Philippe's first creation from the Calatrava collection.

It is the original Calatrava...a true icon, occupying a prestigious place among the great wristwatches of the 19th century and the first model of what many consider today to be the most elegant and distinguished line of dress watches: the Calatrava. Launched in 1932, it was not only the first Calatrava, but also one of Patek Philippe’s first models to have a reference number.

The watch showcases sleek lines and subtle elegance, expressing artistic originality at its very finest. As Patek Philippe aptly describes, "These inimitably elegant men's watches are impervious to short-lived trends, recapturing the hearts of each new generation."

The reference 96 was also amongst Patek’s first models to showcase the Bauhaus design principle of “form follows function”. It achieves its powerful impact through the use of clean, simple, and elegant lines.

The Patek Philippe showcased in today's offering is an example of one of the company's iconic watches.

It has fully Patek parts down to all hands and the winding crown. It presents beautifully on the wrist.

A watchmaker has disassembled it down to its last screw and cleaned and oiled it. It is running strong and true, keeping very accurate time.

For the finishing touch we have equipped it with a brand new crocodile strap making it ready for immediate enjoyment.

Included with the purchase is a one-year C.O.T. international warranty on the movement and its function, a full-page custom printed Connoisseur of Time Certificate of Authenticity, and a new timing certificate.

Please inquire if you would like us to obtain an Extract from the Patek Philippe archives for you. Patek charges 500CHF to provide one.

Don't miss the opportunity to own this classic Patek Philippe for a fraction of the price of a new one. Modern Calatravas don't come close to matching the charm and history of this vintage original.

• Manufacturer: Patek Philippe
• Country of origin: Switzerland
• Serial no.: 962,720
• Year built: c. 1960
• Model: Ref. 96
• Functions: Hours, Minutes, Subsidiary Seconds
• Designed for: Men
• Case material: 18K yellow gold
• Case markings (inside): Patek Philippe & Co, Geneve, Swiss, 0.750., 301,554, 96
• Case condition: Presents as better than near mint. Crisp unpolished hallmark on the underside of the lug. Scratch-free with fairly mild to moderate signs of previous polishing.
• Dimensions: 30.5mm wide (excluding crown), 38mm long lug tip-to-tip 
• Dial: Silver with applied yellow gold baton indexes, outer minute dots, sunk guilloché subsidiary dial for the seconds, excellent condition with only light aging
• Hands: Original, yellow gold, "faceted dauphines"
• Movement type: High grade, Cal. 12’’’-120, rhodium-plated, “fausses côtes” decoration, 18 jewels, straight-line lever escapement, cut bimetallic compensation balance, blued steel Breguet balance spring, swan-neck micrometer regulator
• Movement markings: Patek Philippe and Co., Swiss, Geneve, 962,720, Adjusted to Heat, Cold, Ischronism and Five (5) Positions, Eighteen (18) Jewels
• Band: Crocodile, fully stitched, padded, brand new and unworn
• Width between lugs: 18mm
• Crystal type: Acrylic, excellent condition
• Services: A watchmaker has disassembled it down to its last screw and cleaned and oiled it.
• Timing: Timed on a state-of-the-art computerized system. It is running strong and true, keeping very accurate time.
• Warranty: 1-year international warranty. Please email concierge@cotwatches.com for details. Your watch is important to us, and we will take care of it for its lifetime. We provide the best after sale care in the business with an experienced team of watchmakers both of whom each have over forty years of experience and a large number of parts.
• Box/Papers: BOX - Connoisseur of Time watch presentation box; PAPERS - Custom printed Connoisseur of Time Certificate of Authenticity; New timing certificate
• Returns: 7 days full refund. 100% satisfaction guarantee

We offer a 100% satisfaction guarantee for all of our watches. If you are in any way unsatisfied with the watch we will fully refund the purchase price anytime within 7 days after the watch has been received. Our goal is to exceed our client's expectations throughout the buying experience.

All watches are packaged carefully and mailed double boxed in specially constructed, reinforced shipping boxes designed for high value items. All watches are sent fully insured with signature required. Most of our domestic shipping is done through FedEx. At times we will also use USPS Express Mail, and we can accommodate most requests for your preferred carrier. International shipments are sent USPS International Express Mail or FedEx.

The purchase price will be the declared value of the merchandise on any required customs forms. The payment of all customs duties, tariffs, and taxes are the responsibility of the buyer.

Also note that water resistance of vintage watches can no longer be guaranteed and is not covered under the watch's warranty. We do not recommend getting a vintage watch wet, even one that was originally designed to be waterproof.

To get an idea of how this watch will look on the wrist, please use the Watch Sizing Guide